The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.

This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.

The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.

Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.

The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.

“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.

“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.

“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.

“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.

“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.

“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.

“We remain committed to serving our customers.”

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says vandals in Benin, Edo state, have destroyed 31 transmission towers.

In a statement on Friday, Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s director of public affairs, confirmed that vandals attacked transmission towers in Okada and Ofosu communities along the 330kV Benin-Egbin and Benin-Omotosho transmission lines.

Mbah said the vandalised towers, which suffered significant damage with critical components removed earlier in November, were discovered by TCN linesmen during a routine patrol.

“A total of 31 towers were affected in this incident,” she said.

“TCN engineers from the Benin Sub-Region have initiated repairs to prevent the collapse of the affected towers and to avoid disruption of bulk power supply.”

‘AHOADA-YENAGOA LINE UNDER REPAIR TARGETED BY VANDALS’

Mbah also said its Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which was under repair following a previous attack, was once again targeted by vandals.

The TCN spokesperson confirmed that the attack, which occurred on November 19, affected towers 29 to 31 and resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.

On August 14, TCN announced that Bayelsa state would face a prolonged power outage following the destruction of 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV double circuit transmission line by vandals.

The transmission company, on October 29, reported that 65 percent of the damaged transmission towers had been repaired.

The company said 17 transmission towers had been successfully erected, with work continuing on the remaining three.

“A team of TCN engineers, led by Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, has conducted an inspection of the site,” the statement reads.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident occurred at night. In an attempt to prevent further theft while repair arrangements are being made, local security has been engaged at Ula Ikata in Ahoada East LGA to secure the site until repairs are completed.

“Additionally, the line will be energized from the Ahoada end as a preventive measure.”

Mbah added that efforts are underway to replace the stolen 250mm conductor.

Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, she said the restringing of the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line is approximately 85 percent complete.

The public relations officer stressed that the incidents underscore the urgent need to address the growing problem of vandalism and theft, which continue to affect Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

She urged the public to support efforts to tackle such criminal acts, which have hindered the expansion and stability of the national grid.

Mbah also called on security operatives and local communities to remain vigilant in protecting power infrastructure in their areas as TCN intensifies its efforts to safeguard its installations.